The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER) is reviewing an incident that took place on the Hibernia Platform on May 12, 2026.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. that day, operations personnel were preparing to load crude to a tanker when excessive vibration and noise were reported on Level 7 of the Utility Shaft, followed by gas detection. The source of the noise and vibration was determined to be the sludge pump whose low point drain had sheared off, releasing an estimated volume of 1576 litres of crude that was contained within the platform. The pump was isolated through manual valve closures, preventing further loss of containment. No one was injured and there was no release to sea. The incident is classified as having potential for fire/explosion and fatality. It is also classified as a major hydrocarbon release based on the estimated volume of crude.

The C-NLOER is monitoring Hibernia Management and Development Company (HMDC) Ltd.’s ongoing investigation and follow up to the incident, which was initially reported to the C-NLOER on May 12. HMDC’s preliminary investigation report was submitted to the C-NLOER on May 27. The C-NLOER has requested additional information from HMDC in order to fully understand the incident and its root causes, assess the response and follow up from HMDC, and inform the C-NLOER’s next steps. HMDC’s final investigation report is pending.

Media Contacts:

HMDC
Shelley Sullivan
ExxonMobil Canada
Public and Government Affairs
(709) 765-0954
shelley.sullivan@exxonmobil.com

C-NLOER
Lesley Rideout
Director, Government Relations and Communications
(709) 725-2900
lrideout@cnloer.ca

Incident Disclosures 2026